On October 11-12, 2022, a maritime security exercise ‘Prasthan’ was conducted in the Krishna Godavari Basin Coastal Development Area (ODA) under the auspices of the Eastern Naval Command. Held every six months, this exercise is an important element of maritime security and aims to integrate the efforts of all maritime stakeholders involved in coastal defence.
Various oil operators such as ONGC, RIL, Vedanta and other maritime security stakeholders including AP Maritime Police, AP Fisheries Department and Coast Guard participated in the Navy-led exercise. The two-day exercise resulted in the refinement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and response actions to several maritime defense contingencies off Kakinada. The exercise was conducted on board Platinum Explorer and DDKG- ONGC and RIL drilling rigs located about 40 nm south of Kakinada.
Contingencies such as terrorist intrusion, bomb explosion, casualty evacuation, search and rescue, man overboard, major fire, oil spill and mass evacuation were practiced. The exercise provided a real opportunity for all stakeholders to assess their readiness to respond and combat contingencies in Eastern ODA as well as work together in a coordinated and synergistic manner. The exercise met all of its intended goals.
